Featured Headlines
DCHS-led Health Through Housing initiative hits major milestone
In the field with Executive Zahilay: Listening to staff and empowering solutions
Tap to pay: Puget Sound region transit systems to accept credit and debit cards, and digital wallets as fare payment
Major ‘Revive I-5’ repairs continue for Ship Canal Bridge
News
Undersheriff Jesse Anderson retires after almost 35 years
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office Employee Newsletter Laughter filled the room as friends, colleagues, and loved ones gathered to celebrate Undersheriff Jesse Anderson and his remarkable career with the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO). The event brought together former and current KCSO members, leaders from several area law enforcement agencies, and King County Councilmember Sarah Perry, creating a meaningful reunion centered on stories, shared memories, and heartfelt appreciation. Jesse’s impact was evident in every smile and story told. His dedication, leadership, and kindness have left a lasting mark on the department and the people… Read More
Executive thanks employees for keeping public safe during Seahawks parade
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay recently thanked King County staff for their dedication and service during the Seahawks parade yesterday. “Thank you to the Seahawks for bringing so much joy and energy to our city, region, and state! Thank you also to all of our King County staff for keeping us safe and moving. Team members from Metro, Sound Transit, the Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, and more were working over time alongside city staff to make sure everything went smoothly. Today was a very special day. I hope you enjoyed it with… Read More
Executive Zahilay Signs New Executive Order to Strengthen Protections and Support for King County’s Immigrant and Refugee Communities
On Feb. 12, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay signed a new Executive Order to strengthen protections and increase emergency resources for King County’s immigrant and refugee communities impacted by the increase in federal immigration enforcement activities. In January, Executive Zahilay hosted four immigration roundtable convenings in North, Central, South, and East King County to hear from leaders in immigrant and refugee communities about challenges they were facing and resources needed. The Executive Order, the first in Executive Zahilay’s administration, was informed by the feedback shared at the convenings. “Every resident who calls King County home, regardless of their citizenship… Read More
Use your King County benefits to safely commute to work
King County offers employees a variety of safe commute options to help you arrive at your destination with confidence through the Employee Transportation Program (ETP). Your King County employee ID badge doubles as an ORCA card. One tap of your card pays your fare on the following regular services: Metro Transit, Sound Transit Express, Community Transit, Pierce Transit, Kitsap Transit, and Everett Transit bus service. Link light rail Sounder train Seattle Streetcar Take free, unlimited trips on regional transit, any day, any time, for any reason! Learn more about your King County Employee Transportation Program commuter benefits in this video… Read More
Changes for Fleet motor pool drivers in downtown garages
Do you use any of Fleet’s motor pool vehicles based in downtown Seattle? If you drive motor pool vehicles in either Goat Hill Garage or King Street Center, read on for some important updates. The Goat Hill Garage has been having some connectivity challenges and the License Plate Reader capability is currently down. Fleet has garage access cards for your use when driving a motor pool vehicle. Look for the small packets attached to the vehicle keys with an “S” shaped carabiner, making it easier to detach the packet from the keys to use at the gate… Read More
Deputy Abts-Olsen recognized by the Seattle City Attorney’s Office
Crossposted from the King County Sheriff’s Office Employee Newsletter Deputy Nic Abts-Olsen was recently recognized with a commendation from the Seattle City Attorney’s Office for his compassionate, trauma-informed response to a stalking victim who had recently relocated for safety. Deputy Abts-Olsen took the victim’s concerns seriously, conducted a thorough investigation, coordinated directly with the City Attorney’s Office, and went above and beyond to help protect her sense of security. The victim later shared high praise for his care, professionalism, and dedication. The Victim Advocate Supervisor also said “His initiative and compassion made… Read More
Exclusive savings through TicketsatWork: TurboTax
King County employees get access to exclusive discounts and deals through ticketsatwork.com. Save an extra 20% on TurboTax File your taxes with complete confidence with TurboTax and take advantage of two great deals. You can file on your own with step-by-step guidance and get unlimited expert help as you go, plus save 20% when you file! Learn more here. Or let a dedicated expert do taxes for you, start to finish. For a limited time, let a TurboTax expert do your taxes for $150 flat. No hidden fees. Includes all tax situations, federal and state included. Applies if a… Read More
KCIT launches innovative app to support DNRP Park Rangers
King County IT’s GIS Center recently launched a new app for the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) Park Ranger program, marking a significant advancement in how King County monitors and manages park incidents. Built exclusively for DNRP, this tool provides the first centralized system for tracking park rule violations and other incidents – data that will help improve park safety and enhance the visitor experience. The goal is simple yet powerful, to turn Rangers’ “boots on the ground” work into actionable insights for King County leadership. Using the app, Rangers… Read More
Energize your workday with King County Activity Centers
Hoping to move more while working onsite? Energize your workday and unleash productivity and overall well-being with onsite fitness resources and movement breaks. Maintained by Balanced You, King County provides numerous worksite Activity Centers. These conveniently located spaces provide opportunities for employees to get moderate levels of physical activity and movement – before, during, and after work. Every Activity Center is different, and may feature various commercial grade cardio and strength equipment including treadmills, ellipticals, recumbent bikes, dumbbells, stretching areas, stability balls, and more. Check out this fun video to learn more… Read More
King County to observe Presidents Day holiday on Monday, Feb. 16
Most King County offices will be closed in observance of Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 16. Due to the nature of our work, some services will continue as normal while others will operate on a reduced schedule. Metro will remain on regular weekday service. If you have any questions about your schedule, please talk to your supervisor. Offices will return to normal service on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
KCCF celebrates two sergeant promotions
Crossposted from the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention Employee Newsletter Colleagues, friends, and family members packed the Seattle Division Roll-call Room at the King County Correctional Facility (KCCF) to celebrate newly promoted Sergeants Kristine Raknes and Rey Auriada. Read more.
Executive Zahilay shares latest Executive Update
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay shared a video update of some of the priorities he’s been working on. “January has been the first full month of my new administration and our King County teams have been hard at work opening new affordable housing, expanding public transit, organizing federal response, supporting flood recovery, and building out a team that can begin advancing my policy priorities,” the Executive said in a post on LinkedIn. “We will keep you updated!” Watch the video on LinkedIn.
Employee discount at downtown Seattle coffee shop
Parlour Pioneer Square coffee shop is happy to offer King County employees a 15% discount on coffee drinks and coffee products. Purchases must be made in person, and employees will need to show their King County ID badge in order to receive the discount. Parlour Pioneer Square is located at 119 Yesler Way. See all available discounts on the Employee Discount intranet page.
A new tool makes it easy to find a Wetland Walk and celebrate World Wetlands Day
Crossposted from Headwaters Do you enjoy winter wildlife, unique plants, and peaceful preserves? Are you craving time outdoors in the midst of our darkest season? If so, allow us to recommend a Wetland Walk! King County is home to different types of wetlands, including tidal marshes, wet meadows, and swamps. These special ecosystems support plants, animals, and people, and provide wonderful opportunities to get outside and explore. Read more.
King County Licensing takes steps to combat human trafficking through awareness and training of taxi drivers
While Human Trafficking Awareness Month is wrapping up, the need for more eyes and ears on alert for this horrific crime continues all year long. Human trafficking occurs when force, fraud, or coercion is used to compel a person into sex acts, labor, or services against their will. One organization, Real Escape from the Sex Trade (REST), estimates that more than 2,000 women, men, and children are currently being exploited in the Puget Sound region. Human trafficking is usually considered a hidden crime because it often happens in private settings. However, it… Read More
Celebrating winners of the 24th John D. Spellman Awards, King County’s highest honor for historic preservation
Crossposted from Field Notes The winners of the 24th John D. Spellman Awards for Exemplary Achievement in Historic Preservation include the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe for restoring one of the oldest structures in the region, a longtime family-owned business that is a community cornerstone in downtown Enumclaw, and a former museum director in Renton whose passion for history brought local stories to life for nearly two decades. We hosted a celebration for the winners at the Lake Wilderness Lodge in Maple Valley where then-King County Executive Shannon Braddock presented the awards. Read more.
King County receives national award for commitment to career development program
Today, King County became the first public agency to receive the Year Up United Impact Award, recognizing its commitment to creating pathways to opportunity through the Year Up United internship program. Presented by John Stanton, Chairman of the Seattle Mariners and Trilogy International Partners and founding Chairman of the Year Up United Puget Sound Board, and Shawna Boggie, Year Up United Deputy Director of Western Washington, the national award recognizes corporate partners and individuals who demonstrate longstanding and significant support for their mission of closing the Opportunity Divide. After three years of… Read More
King County launches new battery-electric buses with enhanced operator safety features
Crossposted from Metro Matters Recently, King County Executive Girmay Zahilay joined King County Metro to launch a new fleet of battery-electric buses that enhance transit operator safety, reduce harmful emissions, and prioritize deployment in south King County communities disproportionately affected by air pollution. Rolling out in electric yellow and seafoam blue, the first battery-electric buses purchased from GILLIG will begin serving riders in south King County starting Monday, Feb. 2. Initial service will operate periodically on routes 105, 128, 161, 165, 184, and RapidRide F Line as Metro evaluates performance and ramps… Read More
New “License Management” portal simplifies software requests
KCIT is pleased to introduce a more streamlined way to request Microsoft Project or Visio software licenses. King County’s new License Management portal makes it easy to submit license requests, track the status of your request, and receive automatic notifications when your request is approved or declined by your department’s financial approver. To get started, visit the KCIT Helpdesk. Users requesting a Microsoft Project or Visio license will be automatically directed to the License Management portal. Currently, the portal supports Microsoft Project and Visio license requests only. For all other software, please continue to follow… Read More
Resources to support you and your loved ones
Employees and their families may be experiencing a range of emotions as the nation navigates current events. Balanced You wants to remind you that there are resources available to help you manage these challenges. Making Life Easier (MLE) Making Life Easier (MLE) provides free, confidential mental health services to employees and anyone living in their household. Support is available through virtual or in‑person counseling, text-based coaching, online classes, and more. Read more.
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